Website names Auburn University programs among nation’s best

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Auburn University programs in fashion merchandising, fashion design, architecture and industrial design are among the tops in the nation in 2018, according to www.theartcareerproject.com.

The Art Career Project, a nationally recognized resource for art students and art professionals, ranked Auburn second in its 2018 list of the top 30 U.S. colleges and universities with fashion merchandising programs. For fashion design, Auburn ranked 11th in the nation and third among public universities and colleges.

"These rankings prove what we've always known: Auburn University is an ideal place to study fashion merchandising or fashion design," said Pam Ulrich, head of the Department of Consumer and Design Sciences in Auburn's College of Human Sciences. "Our students find the curriculum challenging and rewarding, and we are constantly told they are exceedingly prepared for the rigors of the fashion industry."

The site listed Auburn's architecture program in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture in Auburn's College of Architecture, Design and Construction as the eighth best in the nation and fourth among public universities and colleges.

Auburn's industrial design program in CADC's School of Industrial and Graphic Design was ranked 17th overall and fifth among public universities and colleges.

"Our programs continue to receive national recognition for academic excellence and student success," said Vini Nathan, McWhorter Endowed Chair and dean of the College of Architecture, Design and Construction. "It is rewarding to be recognized for our emphasis on assisting students with achieving their career goals through a rigorous educational experience. Our faculty, staff, administration and alumni all play a pivotal role in making our academic programs among the best in the nation."

The Art Career Project bases its rankings on a variety of publically available sources such as the National Center for Education Statistics and Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. The school program must be certified in good standing with their regional accrediting body. Eligible schools are weighted and scored on multiple metrics such as graduation rate, retention rate and enrollment rate.

The research and annual rankings are meant to help guide students as they consider their educational path.

Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none. Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success and public/private partnership drives a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact.